Loyal, strong, determined, resilient, compassionate, honest, and brave. Charles Frederick Porter II was born in Oxford England to an English mother with Jewish roots and an African American father from Annapolis, Md. Charles thrived in sports as well as academia and eventually received a full athletic scholarship to Duke University. Almost a decade later, in 2010, he was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In May of 2015, he had a relapse.

Posted July 6th on Instagram

Here I stand.

Today my mom and I walked around the oncology unit in Santa Monica. After two years of a clinical trial my time was finally up. I hugged all of the nurses, some twice, hugged my doctors, check in people and anyone else who was feeling it at the time. Blood work looked good and I was given the breakdown of what will happen next.

I, myself had mixed feelings. To be honest I was shook. My mind was so cluttered with thoughts of what if, I didn’t even remember to celebrate the what is. Sure I was hugging and laughing but deep within I was doubting.

Another case of survivors remorse? Or just knowing that no scan has shown a complete remission and that still means that there is work to be done?

Mum and I left the clinic and went to get my final scan of the trial. Results TBD but I tell ya what.

Once the sea air hits you and you stop to check in on life, you realize the now. Right now I am grateful for the day. Grateful for making it through two years on a trial drug and the drug working. Thankful for those that came before me and those after me who continue to work on new and improved treatments and maybe one day a cure.

I will take a moment and celebrate the day for my friends, family and loved ones and all those that have been in the fight.

A special shout out to my boss and love @canditab for helping me to see another day and getting one step closer to meeting my daughter. Something once upon a time I never thought could happen.

#muchlove #be #neverquit

What’s on your #BucketList? Join #CancerRoadTrip for a healing adventure and a chance to win a trip of your own.

About the Author

Charles F. Porter II

A Duke University graduate and football star, Charles traveled the world and discovered the life of modeling for the Italian Men’s Vogue. He continued to pursue his passion, acting. He starred in several guest appearances on three top hot television shows. Charles was living the dream.

How quickly life changes. Over the last five years of Charles’ life there have been many challenges. One was the fight for his life as his family, friends and he fought off stage 4 Cancer. Now two years in remission after a stem cell transplant at UCLA, many things changed in his philosophy of what is important in life.

You can also see a transition of a young boy turn into a grown man as he starts to really search for true meaning on earth. He always felt as though it’s to leave this place in a better way then when he entered.

Even larger goals are in the balance as Charles continues to thrive as an artist and his voice starts to reach the masses. He has learned to never quit and aim high.

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“There is a moment in time when you realize there are many paths which lead to the same destination” – Charles Frederick Porter II